HORSE IS KING ON MACKINAC
F rom a horse-drawn taxi to a lively carriage ride to trail riding on horseback, horses are a way of life on Mack- inac Island. There are more than 500 horses that call Mackinac Island home for the summer, all with important jobs to do. In the 1890s, tourists attempted to bring the new horse- less carriages to Mackinac Island, immediately alienating the residents with their noise, spooking the horses and disrupting the Island’s quiet way of life. It rapidly became a safety issue, as well as a lifestyle one. Plus, as some old- timers recall that there simply weren’t enough places to park! The year-round residents wanted nothing to do with them, so in 1898, the town banned cars and motorized ve- hicles. Ever since, other than a few emergency vehicles, horses have been the primary alternative to cars giving Mackinac yet one more distinct characteristic. Here’s a breakdown of the various ways visitors and locals utilize horsepower. PRIVATE LIVERY CARRIAGE TOURS For a great way to see Mackinac, take an intimate private carriage tour, these 2 to 8 passenger carriages are ready at a moment’s notice for a private tour. GOUGH LIVERY offers antique style car- riages to tour the Island and are available by the hour. Very popular, their charming and experienced drivers will give you a personalized tour of the Island’s colorful history. Find them at Marquette Park or be picked up at your hotel by calling to reserve a carriage in advance. Gough Livery 906- 847-1053.
Come Ride With Us!
Mackinac Community Equestrian Center
Mackinac Horsemans
Association
Short & Long Term Boarding Available
Mackinac 4-H and Youth Camps • Daily Tours Available 906-847-8034 • 3800 British Landing Rd. • MackinacHorses.org
28 Inside Mackinac
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